The positions itself as the upgraded version of the original Studio Buds — promising improved ANC, better Transparency Mode, and enhanced Spatial Audio. We put both side by side to evaluate if the premium is justified.

What's New vs Studio Buds

The Studio Buds+ features:

• 2x stronger ANC than the original Studio Buds
• Improved Transparency Mode with 1.5x more external audio pass-through
• Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking (new to this model)
• Compatible with both iPhone and Android with full feature access
• Translucent design option — a distinctive aesthetic choice

Sound Quality

The Studio Buds+ retains the balanced, slightly bass-forward Beats signature. The custom acoustic platform delivers better driver control than the original, resulting in tighter bass, cleaner mids, and reduced distortion at high volumes. Spatial Audio with Personalized head tracking adds convincing dimension for Apple Music and Dolby Atmos content.

ANC Performance

The doubled ANC performance claim holds up in testing. Low-frequency noise suppression is markedly better than the original Studio Buds — approaching mid-tier Sony and JBL performance. For commuters on buses and trains, the Studio Buds+ is genuinely effective.

Transparency Mode is natural-sounding — voices pass through clearly without the tinny quality found in cheaper implementations.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

A key advantage of the Beats Studio Buds+ is full compatibility on both iOS and Android — including Personalized Spatial Audio and one-tap pairing on both platforms. This makes it one of the few premium earbuds genuinely suited to users who switch between iPhone and Android devices.

Battery Life

6 hours with ANC on, 9 hours without. Combined with the case: 36 hours total. This exceeds the original Studio Buds and is competitive with Sony and Samsung premium models. The case supports wireless (Qi) charging.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Significantly improved ANC over original Studio Buds
• Full feature access on both iOS and Android
• Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
• 36-hour total battery life with wireless charging case
• Distinctive translucent design option

Cons

• Pricier than original Studio Buds for marginal design changes
• ANC still trails Sony WF-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds in raw depth
• Fit may not suit all ear shapes without third-party tips

Verdict

The Beats Studio Buds+ is a meaningful upgrade over the original, particularly in ANC performance and Spatial Audio. For users who split time between Apple and Android devices, it's the most versatile premium earbuds on the market. For single-platform users, Samsung Buds3 Pro (Android) or AirPods Pro (iOS) may offer deeper ecosystem integration.

Rating: 8.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Beats Studio Buds+ better than AirPods Pro 2?

AirPods Pro 2 leads on ANC depth, Adaptive Audio, and iOS-specific features like Find My and Hearing Health. Studio Buds+ counters with cross-platform Android compatibility and a lower price. For iPhone-only users, AirPods Pro 2 is superior. For users who switch platforms, Studio Buds+ wins.

Do Beats Studio Buds+ work with Samsung Android phones?

Yes — full feature access including Personalized Spatial Audio works on Android, including Samsung Galaxy devices. This is a deliberate Beats design choice, making the Studio Buds+ one of the few Apple-owned products that performs fully on Android.

How much better is ANC on Studio Buds+ vs original Studio Buds?

Beats claims 2x stronger ANC, and testing confirms a noticeable improvement — particularly in low-frequency noise suppression. The improvement is most apparent in transit (buses, trains) where the original Studio Buds' ANC left noticeable engine noise that the Plus model suppresses effectively.

Does the Studio Buds+ case support wireless charging?

Yes — the Studio Buds+ case supports Qi wireless charging. The original Studio Buds case did not include wireless charging, making this one of the meaningful practical upgrades in the Plus model. USB-C wired charging is also supported.

What is the battery life of Beats Studio Buds+?

6 hours of ANC-on playback per charge, 9 hours without ANC. Combined with the wireless charging case, total battery life reaches approximately 36 hours — significantly better than the original Studio Buds' 27-hour total and competitive with Samsung Buds3 Pro.